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Reds to start pitching coach interviews

Reds to start pitching coach interviews

By Mark Sheldon
/
MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- The Reds' efforts to hire a new pitching coach will start ramping up to the next level this week.

General manager Walt Jocketty is at the team's new complex in Goodyear, Ariz., for meetings and player evaluations with the team's pro scouts. Interviews will begin once manager Dusty Baker arrives in town.

"We're still talking to people and setting up interviews. We hope to conduct interviews this week," Jocketty said.

Jocketty did not know when the Reds would make a hire to replace Dick Pole, who was dismissed Oct. 2.

"We don't have a timetable but we want to get it done sooner than later," he said. "When we find the right guy, we'll move on it."

Former A's and Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson is one person who has expressed interest in the job by reaching out to the Reds. Peterson is also believed to be a candidate for the Brewers' pitching coach vacancy.

As for one presumed candidate, current Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, Jocketty declined to say whether he would be interviewed.

"He's still under contract so I can't comment on that," Jocketty said.

Duncan, who worked for Jocketty when he was the Cardinals' GM, has a 2010 option to return to St. Louis but made his displeasure over some issues within the team known in an interview this summer. Many believe that could be an indication he will not remain with the Cardinals.

Jocketty also passed on naming people from inside the organization that also might be candidates. Triple-A Louisville pitching coach Ted Power has been held in high esteem, as have special assistant to the GM Mario Soto and Minor League pitching coordinator Mack Jenkins.

"We'll interview several of our own people," Jocketty said.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.